Why is this project needed?
The existing Cougar Creek Bridge is too short to effectively span the creek channel and the foundation is not deep enough to prevent scour. The bridge is classified as being scour critical and has required scour monitoring since 2011. There also have been ongoing bank stability issues requiring continued repairs.
Bridge Scour Issues
Flood events on rivers and creeks can erode soil around a bridge foundation. This process is frequently referred to as bridge scour. Scour issues can lead to bridge damage and possibly closure if the damage is severe.
Who is developing this project?
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is developing this project in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). MDT has retained HDR as the design consultant.
The project team is working with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to replace Cougar Creek Bridge and the adjacent recreation bridge and is engaging a variety of agency and tribal partners and interested stakeholders to address the wildlife considerations. The USFS owns the land along both sides of Cougar Creek.